While circling the wagons rarely comes off as the right play, there’s also a ceiling on what the rookies could have added to the conversation. None of them have played a game with Hernandez, and beyond some OTA and minicamp time, they wouldn’t have had much access to him to have any insight.

At some point, Patriots players will have to address the shocking turn of events involving Hernandez. But those questions are probably better asked to those who actually knew him.

Just out of curiosity, would anyone feel any different if Hernandez told the guy “you hit my sister again and I’ll kill you”

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Nope.

tedmurph says:Jun 26, 2013 4:33 PM

As a Pats fan, I hate to say it and I know it probably will not happen, but if I’m Kraft, I fire Belichick. I think spygate was a way overblown story, and was not the reason the Pats won SBowls. It was more of a glorified excuse for the teams the Pats beat over the yrs(95% of the haters). It did leave a stain on the brand, though. Now, BB has failed to rebuild the D for 6 yrs due to some spotty FA signings and drafting, thus wasting Brady’s window. He’s thrown huge bonus money at two great players who have major problems. He’s also drafted other UF players with questionable character and signed guys like Haynesworth and Ocho, while eating dead money and losing draft picks. Now this. If I’m Kraft, I’ve had enough.

“I think spygate was a way overblown story, and was not the reason the Pats won SBowls. It was more of a glorified excuse for the teams the Pats beat over the yrs(95% of the haters).”

Your right of course, they won the superbowls because of tuck rules and uncalled pass interference calls. Spy gate had nothing to do with it.
And its not their fault the calls were not made, its the officials fault. Same as the uncalled roughing the passer calls on the Saints. And the uncalled holding calls on the Steelers.
NFL post season officiating is probably the worst thing about the league.

As to the guy that thinks BB should be fired for this. LOL I hope your kidding. The franchise will never in its history get a coach so good again. Ever.

jayniner says:Jun 26, 2013 5:25 PM

I disagree.

They should be talking about the Hernandez situation in detail with these rookies……great opportunity to show how quickly your associations and decisions can ruin your life and their opportunity for great success and wealth.

melikefootball says:Jun 26, 2013 6:10 PM

I think they still have some secret films they could show the rookies.

tedmurph says:Jun 26, 2013 6:42 PM

Tuck Rule was called correctly pogo. Period. Fact. You want to argue it’s a bad rule, fine. It wasn’t made up for the Pats, it had been called before, there was no conspiracy involved, it wasn’t a fumble because you think it was a fumble. The rule is clear and unambiguous. Those that deny that either don’t understand the rule or haven’t watched the replay.

As for PI, that’s like arguing balls and strikes. It’s a judgement call the refs get right sometimes and wrong others. It gets called when it shouldn’t and doesn’t get called when it should. It is what it is. Pats won their SBs before Polian had the rules changed. meaningless arguement

mackcarrington says:Jun 26, 2013 9:26 PM

This says a lot about the stupid, despicable, predatory nature of reporters to even want to ask rookies about the Hernandez situation. Why aren’t reporters trying to find Hernandez’s two buddies to interview them? That would be more worthwhile.

This is probably the toughest test the Patriots have faced in the Kraft era. The way they handle themselves as an organization will define them for years to come. I believe it will be a turning point in draft and free agent philosophy but then again you never know. So far they have made all the right moves, PR and otherwise.
And don’t write off their season just yet.